Grappling is a martial art including wrestling, judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ), shooto and others. Most matches involve takedowns and ground control, and they end when someone submits or taps out.
- What facilities are available at Team Balance Pittsburgh?
- How do you set up a time/day to observe a practice?
- What is open mat?
- Is it dangerous?
- Is there a specific level of fitness an individual needs to be in prior to starting?
- Do I need previous experience with grappling or other martial arts?
- I have previous experience in wrestling, Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, Kung Fu, boxing, etc. Is Team Balance Pittsburgh for me?
- What should I wear to my first practice?
- What should I wear to gi practices?
- What should I wear to no-gi practices?
- What other equipment should I wear?
- Where can I purchase a gi, no-gi uniform, or equipment?
- What is the rank system in BJJ?
- What facilities are available at Team Balance Pittsburgh?
In addition to a large mat for martial arts practice, we have a boxing ring, changing rooms, and weights for our adult members.
- How do you set up a time/day to observe a practice?
You may observe any class during the class-times posted in the schedule. You can also attend a week of BJJ classes for free to see if you like it.
- What is open mat?
After the regular class there is an "open mat" time. Many people roll or spar during this time. If you need to polish some moves, you can choose to drill them with a partner. If hurt or in a hurry, you can take time off or leave early as well. Open mat is "your time."
- Is it dangerous?
We are committed to the safety of our members. However, as any martial art, there is always risk inherent in combat sports and activities. You may decide not to participate in any activity if you are hurt or not feeling well.
- Is there a specific level of fitness an individual needs to be in prior to starting?
As always, consult with your doctor before beginning an athletic training program. With his ok, most healthy individuals can start with any specific level of fitness. Jiu-jitsu is a great way to lose shape and burn the extra calories. You may be pushed hard at first, but eventually you will increase your conditioning.
- Do I need previous experience with grappling or other martial arts?
No previous experience is necessary. Beginners are encouraged to attend and gradually acclimate to grappling. There is a beginner class where the basic motions of jiu-jitsu are drilled.
- I have previous experience in wrestling, Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, Kung Fu, boxing, etc. Is Team Balance Pittsburgh for me?
We encourage those with previous experience to attend. Those with grappling specific experience will be able to refine their techniques and acquire new ones. Those with non-grappling experience will learn how to supplement their previous martial arts experience with grappling techniques.
- What should I wear to my first practice?
Simply wear comfortable clothes that are suitable for vigorous exercise. This should be sufficient on no-gi grappling days. We can loan you a gi for your first judo or BJJ class too. Safety equipment such as mouth guards or headgear are a good idea in case of an accident.
- What should I wear to gi practices?
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For judo and "gi" BJJ practices, we require the use of a gi or kimono. A gi is a traditional uniform designed to mimic clothing without tearing. This way, you can practice moves and throws that require grabbing the clothing of an opponent without risking tearing or stretching.
Cheap starter gis may be bought at the club. You can also purchase a gi yourself from several retailers. Some members have had good experience with the following brands. There are several other good brands of gis too.
You can buy a gi of any color, though most people wear unbleached, white, blue, or black gis. Single- or Standard-weave gis are the lightest and cheapest. However, a good quality single-weave can still last you for a while if taken care of. Double-weave gis are the heaviest, but much more durable. Hybrid- or gold-weave gis are reinforced in certain areas like double-weaves but are lighter and more comfortable like single-weaves.
Make sure you wash your gi after using it. Dirty gis stink and can spread diseases! Most shrink a lot especially after the first wash, so follow the suggested guidelines of the manufacturer. I prefer to wash my gis in warm or cold water. I might put my cheaper gis into the dryer occasionally. Usually I air-dry the more expensive gis and also cheaper ones, if possible.
- What should I wear to no-gi practices?
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During "no-gi" grappling practices simply wear comfortable clothes that are suitable for vigorous exercise. It is not allowed to grab clothing in no-gi class. Tight fitting clothing such as rashguards and "training" shorts are recommended so as not to get tangled up with your partner. Tee shirts or gym shorts are also commonly worn for no-gi practices.
You select the type and brand that you personally like. Some members have had good experiences with Cageside, Sprawl, or even cheap shorts from the local sports retailer. Under Armour is also a good brand for rashguards; though, many members simply use tee shirts too. Make sure it is not too loose or it can get stretched too big.
- What other equipment should I wear?
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As with any martial art, there is always some risk inherent in combat sports and activities. You may choose to wear protective equipment:
- Wrestling headgear - Recommended to protect your ears. I personally like the Cliff Keen Tornado.
- Mouthguard - Recommended in case you get accidentally hit. Required if sparring with strikes, but a good idea any time you are rolling.
- Protective cup - Recommended in case you get accidentally hit. Required if sparring with strikes, but a good idea any time you are rolling.
- MMA Training Gloves - Only used for sparring with strikes. Please get a pair large enough to protect your hand (such as (6-7oz). I like these MMA Safety Sparring Gloves.
Certain practices are designed for both grappling without strikes and with strikes/MMA. You do not need to participate in any of the activities that require the MMA equipment. If you are not comfortable getting hit, you can simply practice the activity without striking.
- Where can I purchase a gi, no-gi uniform, or equipment?
You can purchase your gear at any retailer that you wish. The club sells cheap starter gis if you want to purchase one from us. On the internet, I personally recommend NHB Gear for purchasing gis and no-gi equipment. I also like purchasing from Combat Sports International for striking and MMA equipment.
- What is the rank system in BJJ?
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There are five ranks in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu:
- white
- blue
- purple
- brown
- black
Everyone starts with a white belt. White, blue, purple, and brown belts can have 0-4 "stripes" to indicate different levels between them. Some schools use a green belt between white and blue. Other schools use no stripes whatsoever. At Team Balance, we use the 0-4 stripe system. Only a black belt can authorize promotions at our school.
Black belts can have 0-9 degrees. At the 7th and 8th degrees, black belts can wear a special black/red belt. 9th degree black belts wear full red belts. The 10th degree was reserved for the founders of BJJ - the brothers Carlos, Oswaldo, George, Gastão, and Hélio Gracie.
Do not be overly concerned with either your rank or the number of stripes on your belt. Simply try to be the best grappler that you can be. There is no minimum or maximum time between ranks. Competition can help you progress as a training tool, but it is not required to advance. Rather, rank is basically determined by your technical skill on the mat.
There are many different ideas on what each rank means. Many people have written popular articles on what the progression means to them, such as Tim Sledd, Roy Harris, Matt Thornton, and Saulo Ribeiro among others. However, part of the learning process in martial arts is defining your own goals. Ultimately everybody has a different path to black belt and beyond.
